Director of Critical Care - Cardiovascular - Asheville, NC

Director of Critical Care - Cardiovascular - Asheville, NC

Full-Time Leadership | Monday-Friday Days, No Weekends | $110,000-$140,000 Annual Salary + 17.5% Incentive Bonus | Sign-On & Relocation Available

Lead cardiovascular critical care operations at an 815-bed Magnet-designated acute care hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, recognized in the top 1% of hospitals nationally for clinical quality and named one of America's 50 Best Hospitals. This Director of Critical Care role oversees CVICU and CVPC units (19 beds, 65 FTEs) serving as the regional referral center for tertiary and quaternary care. The facility is the region's only Level II Trauma Center and provides the only open heart and interventional cardiology services in the area, operating as the busiest surgical hospital west of Raleigh and second-busiest in the state. The hospital also includes the region's only children's hospital with 30 pediatric subspecialists and features Leapfrog "A" safety rating. Asheville offers Blue Ridge Mountain living, vibrant arts culture, craft breweries, outdoor recreation, and exceptional quality of life.

Responsibilities

• Direct cardiovascular critical care operations, programs, and activities for CVICU and CVPC units in alignment with organizational objectives and strategic plan.
• Oversee nursing practice model ensuring evidence-based care delivery and clinical excellence across cardiovascular intensive care and progressive care settings.
• Promote research and integrate evidence-based practices into clinical, operational, and leadership processes.
• Integrate clinical, human resource, and financial data to support strategic decision-making and optimize unit performance.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and nursing standards ensuring patient and family needs are assessed, met, and evaluated.
• Ensure compliance with Magnet standards, Joint Commission requirements, CMS regulations, and state nursing practice standards.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives to maintain top 1% national ranking and Leapfrog "A" safety grade.
• Manage fiscal operations including budget development, monitoring, staffing models, and resource allocation for cardiovascular critical care services.
• Foster culture of accountability, collaboration, and nursing excellence while supporting staff development and succession planning.
• Collaborate with cardiovascular surgeons, cardiologists, intensivists, and interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes in open heart and interventional programs.
• Monitor key performance indicators, patient satisfaction, and clinical outcomes to drive continuous improvement.
• Build and retain high-performing cardiovascular critical care teams through recruitment, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Serve as liaison between cardiovascular services and organizational leadership to advance strategic growth initiatives.
• Support trauma program operations and regional referral center responsibilities as Level II Trauma Center.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and clinical competencies to meet complex cardiovascular patient care needs.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master's Degree in Nursing OR Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with MBA, MHA, or related healthcare degree
• Current North Carolina RN license in good standing or active multi-state compact license
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification
• National Nursing Leadership Certification required within 1 year of hire or by signed commitment letter
• Minimum 5 years of critical care experience with extensive cardiovascular background (CVICU/cardiovascular experience required)
• Minimum 3 years of progressive leadership experience
• Computer proficiency including word processing, spreadsheets, Internet/Intranet, and email
• Demonstrated expertise in cardiovascular nursing, open heart programs, and critical care operations

Preferred:

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience
• Experience in Magnet-designated facilities
• CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) or cardiovascular specialty certification
• Background in Level II Trauma Center critical care operations

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual Salary: $110,000-$140,000 based on experience
• Annual Incentive Bonus: Up to 17.5% of base salary
• Sign-On Bonus: Available on a case-by-case basis
• Relocation Assistance: Available on a case-by-case basis
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off, paid holidays, no weekends
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education support
• Professional development and Magnet leadership opportunities
• Employee wellness programs and recognition initiatives

Ideal For Accomplished cardiovascular critical care leaders ready to direct CVICU and CVPC operations at a top 1% nationally ranked Magnet hospital. Perfect for directors with extensive CV background who excel at strategic leadership, quality improvement, and building high-performing teams in mountain region healthcare.